Question

How would a reduction in the number of aquaporins channels affect a plant cell’s ability to adjust to new osmotic conditions?

Short answer

The reduction in the number of aquaporin channels in plants slows down the ability of the plant to adjust to changes in its osmotic environment. Within normal conditions, the aquaporin channel allows rapid osmotic adjustment in plants.

Step-by-step solution

Aquaporin channels

Aquaporins are the channels that are located on the plasma and intracellular membrane of the plant cells. They maintain water transport across the plasma membrane.

Function of aquaporin channels

Osmotic conditions in the plant are adjusted by special channels called aquaporin channels. They maintain the movement of water and small molecules (boric acid and urea) inside and outside the cell. They also maintain the transport of gases such as ammonia and carbon dioxide across the cell.

Effect of low aquaporin channels in plants

The active solute transport across the membrane results in the generation of an osmotic gradient. The generation of an osmotic gradient alters the transport of water across the membrane.

Thus, in response to this osmotic gradient, aquaporins help transport water across the biological membrane. Therefore, if the aquaporin channel gets reduced, the ability of plants cell to adjust to changes in the osmotic environment is also reduced.